HBV Risk Factors Research Articles

Prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among visitors of Shashemene General Hospital voluntary counseling and testing center

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is significant health problem, as it can lead to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatic carcinoma. Due to shared routes of transmission, HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection is common and is an emerging concern in the clinical management of patients because of increased mortality, accelerated hepatic disease progression, and the frequent hepatotoxicity caused by anti-retroviral therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its risk factors, among individuals visiting Shashemene General Hospital VCT center.FindingsInstitution based cross-sectional study was performed from November 3, 2008 to December 29, 2008 and 384 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients were investigated. Data on socio demographic and HBV risk factors was collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV by commercially available rapid test kits. The prevalence of HBsAg in this study group was 5.7%. Fourteen percent of HIV positive subjects (8/57) and 4.3% (14/327) of HIV negative subjects were positive for HBsAg. Significantly high prevalence of HBsAg was observed among individuals who had history of invasive procedures, like tooth extraction, abortion and ear piercing; history of hospital admission, history of unsafe inject and HIV positives.ConclusionsAlthough HBsAg prevalence is much higher among subjects who are HIV positive (14.0% versus 4.3%), the prevalence of HBsAg in HIV negative subjects is high enough to warrant a recommendation to screen all clients at VCT centers irrespective of HIV status.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among Hemodialysis Patients of Tripura, India

Introduction: Hemodialysis is a trusted intermediate procedurefor management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Assuch CKD is an immune-deficient state, hence, they may beinfected by hepatitis B virus (HCV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)during hemodialysis. Eventually, HBV and HCV infection is animportant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients ofhemodialysis. Prevalence of HBV and HCV infection amonghemodialysis patients is highly variable.Aim of the study: This study was designed to see theprevalence of HBV and HCV among hemodialysis patients ofTripura, India and to evaluate the mode of transmission.Materials and methods: This is a single center prospectivestudy among the patients who has come for hemodialysis atthe Dialysis Unit of Agartala Government Medical College andGovinda Ballav Pant Hospital during the period of January 2011to June 2011.Results: Male predominance has been observed among thehemodialysis patients and mean age of the patients was 48.16years. New HBV infection was found in 5.5% of the hemodialysispatients (cumulative 7.3%) and 10.9% (cumulative 12.12%) ofpatients got new HCV infection during hemodialysis. Coinfectionwith both HBV and HCV was found among 1.2% ofhemodialysis patients. History of blood transfusion was foundin 100% of newly infected HBV and HCV patients.Discussion: The evaluation suggests that blood transfusionmay be the single most important risk factor for HBV and HCVinfection among hemodialysis patients. Newer methods ofscreening of blood in blood bank like nucleic acid test orpolymerase chain reaction amplification of nucleic acids shouldbe adopted to prevent HBV and HCV transmissionAbbreviations: HBV: Hepatitis B virus infection; HCV: Hepatitis Cvirus infection; CKD: Chronic kidney disease; PCR: Polymerasechain reaction; ID-NAT: Individual nucleic acid test.

Infection status and risk factors of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis among drug users in Guangdong, China - a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChina has witnessed a remarkable increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. The study is to assess the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis and related risk factors among drug users in mandatory detoxification center Qingyuan, Guangdong, China.MethodA cross-sectional study on drug use behaviors, sex behaviors, and presence of antibodies to HIV, HCV, Treponema pallidum, and surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) was conducted among drug users recruited from 3 detoxification centers in Qingyuan, Guangdong, China. Risk factors for each of four infections were analyzed with logistic regression model.ResultsA total of 740 subjects were recruited, the median age was 31 years old (range 24-38). The seroprevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis were 4.6%, 19.3%, 71.6% and 12.6%, respectively. Risk factors for HIV were intravenous drug use and co-infection with syphilis. Having a regular sexual partner who was a drug user was considered to be a risk factor for HBV. Intravenous drug use was a risk factor for HCV. However, the consistent use of condoms with commercial sex partners was protective for HCV infection. Compared to drug users living in urban area, those living in rural areas were more likely to be infected with syphilis, and there was an association between commercial sex and syphilis.ConclusionThe prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis were high among drug users in detoxification centers in Qingyuan, thus, risk reduction programs for the drug user population is urgently required.

Epidemiological patterns and risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus in Pakistani population

AbstractHepatitis B virus prevalence is increasing in Pakistani population. National level estimates regarding the prevalence are missing. People are unaware of the risk factors involved in HBV transmission. The objective of the study was to review the prevalence, genotypes, and risk factors associated with HBV transmission in Pakistani Population. Literature search was done by using keyword HBV prevalence, genotypes and risk factors from Pakistani population at Pubmed, PakMediNet and Google scholar. Six different studies showed that the percentage prevalence of HBV in general population was 4.61±0.73%, and 21 different studies showed the percentage prevalence of 2.33±0.46% in blood donors. High prevalence of 7.94±1.49% and 12.86±4.52% were observed in multi transfused and IDU populations. Six different studies showed that the major prevalent genotype was D. Awareness regarding various risk factors involved in-viral transmission was very low. Prevalence of HBV was very high in multitransfused populations due to non-implementations of international standards regarding blood transfusions. Barbers were unaware of the risk factors associated with their shops in viral transmission. Practices of unsterilized dental and surgical instruments and recycling of syringes were major factors in viral transmission. Massive awareness and vaccination programs are required to decrease the future burden of HBV from Pakistani population.

A comparative epidemiological study of hepatitis B and hepatitis D virus infections in Yanomami and Piaroa Amerindians of Amazonas State, Venezuela

To report the prevalences of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis D (HDV) infections in remote and more accessible Yanomami and Piaroa Venezuelan Amazonian Amerindian populations; to estimate incidence per susceptible. Clinico-epidemiological evaluation was carried out in 9 Piaroa villages. Blood samples were tested for HBV core antibody (anti-HBc), surface antigen (HBsAg) and HDV antibody (anti-HDV). Results were analysed using logistic regression, and estimates made of HBV forces of infection (FOI). Prevalences and FOI were also estimated for 4 Yanomami villages. Mean Piaroa anti-HBc and HBsAg prevalences were 27.4% and 5.1%, respectively (up to 53% and 19% in the remote Autana region). Mean Yanomami anti-HBc and HBsAg prevalences were, respectively, 58.0% (range 43-70%) and 14.3% (31% in the village with highest HBsAg). No significant difference was found between sexes, with age and maternal HBsAg the only risk factors for HBV identified in multivariate regression of Piaroa data. Only 4 Piaroa and 2 Yanomami individuals were anti-HDV positive. Piaroa HBV prevalences were generally higher in remote villages than in less remote ones, with prevalences in Yanomami villages even higher. Anti-HBc prevalence was 47% in one Yanomami village with a history of HBV vaccination but no HBsAg cases were identified, suggestive of previously cleared or possibly transient infection or vaccine escape. Despite a past history of HDV epidemic outbreaks and HBsAg levels in some villages appearing sufficient to facilitate HDV transmission, anti-HDV prevalence was low; it remains to be established why no recent outbreaks have been reported.

Is there a need to include HIV, HBV and HCV viruses in the Saudi premarital screening program on the basis of their prevalence and transmission risk factors?

BackgroundIn January 2008, the Saudi Arabian health authority included mandatory testing for HIV, HBV and HCV viruses in the premarital screening program. Epidemiologically, there were few justifications for their inclusion...

PP-096 A retrospective study on risk factors of HBV and HCV in Esfahan, Iran

PP-096 A retrospective study on risk factors of HBV and HCV in Esfahan, Iran

Reassessment of Selected Healthcare Associated Risk Factors for HBV and HCV Infections among Volunteer Blood Donors, Karachi, Pakistan

Epidemiologic studies conducted in the 1990s identified several independent healthcare associated risk factors for HBV and HCV infections in Pakistan. In 2002, we re-examined healthcare associated HBV and/or HCV infection risk factors in volunteer blood donors. In this case-control study, we collected data using a structured questionnaire on socioeconomic attributes, putative healthcare related risk factors, and other known factors for HBV and HCV infections in Karachi, Pakistan. The multivariable logistic-regression model (166 cases, 394 controls) after adjusting for socio-demographic attributes and other known HBV and HCV risk factors revealed that more cases than controls had multiple lifetime hospitalization, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 5.94, and had received dental treatment from an unqualified provider (AOR = 5.90, CI, 1.66, 21.02). More cases than controls had received a large number of therapeutic injections during the last 5 years (1-5 injections vs. 0, AOR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.06, 6.60; 6-19 injections vs. 0, AOR = 4.09, 95% CI 1.59, 10.51; > or = 20 injections vs. 0, AOR = 4.34, 95% CI 1.70,11.07), and had their last injection given using a re-usable glass syringe (AOR = 3.41 CI 1.13, 10.29). Our data suggest that risk factors for HBV and HCV infections identified in the last decade have remained unchanged in healthcare facilities in Karachi. Additional multi-disciplinary efforts are needed to control healthcare associated HBV and HCV transmission in Pakistan.

Frequency of HBV, HCV and HIV infections among hospitalized injecting drug users in Kashan

Context:Infectious diseases including HIV and viral hepatitis constitute a major health issue, with high prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs).Aims:The present study assessed the frequency of HIV, and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) among 200 IDUs, hospitalized between 2001 and 2006, in Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, Iran.Setting and Design:A population-based cross-sectional study in Iran.Materials and Methods:A total of 200 subjects participated in this study. Serological markers including HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies and HIV were assessed by ELISA method using Monobid kits made in US. Demographic data was collected by using a questionnaire, which was designed by a researcher.Statistical Analysis Used: Frequencies were determined by employing SPSS:PC version 15.0, and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare proportions.Results:The mean age of subjects was 36.5 ± 10.2 years. Approximately 88.5% (177 cases) were male and 11.5%. (23 cases) were female. The frequency of positive infection test results for males with respect to HBV, HCV, and HIV was 4% (8 cases), 10.5% (21 cases), and 1.5% (3 cases); and for females it was 0.5% (1 case), 1.5% (3 cases), and 0% (0 case), respectively.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that the frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection in the IVD user in Kashan, Iran, is relatively high and this condition is more serious in male than female drug addicts. It is very important, especially for health providers and policy makers, to recognize the risk factors of HBV, HCV and particularly HIV infection in this area and design effective preventive programs.

Frequency of HBV, HCV and HIV infections among hospitalized injecting drug users in Kashan

Infectious diseases including HIV and viral hepatitis constitute a major health issue, with high prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs). The present study assessed the frequency of HIV, and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) among 200 IDUs, hospitalized between 2001 and 2006, in Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, Iran. A population-based cross-sectional study in Iran. A total of 200 subjects participated in this study. Serological markers including HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies and HIV were assessed by ELISA method using Monobid kits made in US. Demographic data was collected by using a questionnaire, which was designed by a researcher. Frequencies were determined by employing SPSS:PC version 15.0, and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare proportions. The mean age of subjects was 36.5 ± 10.2 years. Approximately 88.5% (177 cases) were male and 11.5%. (23 cases) were female. The frequency of positive infection test results for males with respect to HBV, HCV, and HIV was 4% (8 cases), 10.5% (21 cases), and 1.5% (3 cases); and for females it was 0.5% (1 case), 1.5% (3 cases), and 0% (0 case), respectively. This study demonstrates that the frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection in the IVD user in Kashan, Iran, is relatively high and this condition is more serious in male than female drug addicts. It is very important, especially for health providers and policy makers, to recognize the risk factors of HBV, HCV and particularly HIV infection in this area and design effective preventive programs.

Hepatitis B Knowledge, Attitudes, and Susceptibility in an Immigrant Caribbean Community

Purpose: Hepatitis B (HBV) is the most common underlying cause of liver cancer among immigrant populations, and the prevalence of HBV is 10–75 per 1000 blood donors in the Caribbean. Although Caribbean communities continue to grow in the U.S. little is known about how they are impacted by HBV. Our objective was to evaluate knowledge and attitudes about HBV, as well as susceptibility in an immigrant Caribbean community. Methods: In-person interviews were conducted with Caribbean immigrant men and women attending four community-based health fairs during a six-month period. Knowledge, beliefs, and risk factors for HBV were assessed along with socio-demographic characteristics. Phlebotomy was performed on all consenting participants to determine HBV status. Results: A total of 147 individuals (55% women) representing 9 Caribbean countries completed the screening sessions. The cohort had a mean age of 46 ± 15 years and had been in the U.S. for 14 ± 12 years. The formal education of 75% of the cohort was at High school level or below, and nearly half (48%) had a median household income below $24,000. While 7% of individuals self-identified as being at risk for HBV, 11% were found to have at least one risk factor. The most common identified HBV risk factors were multiple sexual partners (5%) and blood product transfusion (3%). The majority of individuals (70%) were either unsure or did not believe that HBV can be transmitted through sharing dirty needles. Only 28.5% correctly identified unprotected sex as a risk factor for HBV and only 21% believed that using condoms could help prevent its transmission. Men were significantly more likely to believe that HBV is inherited compared to women (41.8% vs. 14.7%; P= 0.003) and they were less willing to seek medical attention if they tested positive for HBV (41.5% vs. 73.8%; P= 0.001). The majority of individuals (67%) were susceptible to HBV with no detectable markers. Among the 47 individuals who tested positive for HBsAb, 42 (89%) had no prior history of vaccination. HBsAg positivity was confirmed in 1 individual. Conclusion: In this representative community-based Caribbean immigrant cohort we identified significant knowledge deficits about HBV. By extension attitudes towards prevention and treatment of HBV may help increase its spread in the community. Studies should be extended to further characterize HBV seroprevalence in the immigrant Caribbean community and efforts should be made to develop and implement community-based HBV interventions aimed at improving knowledge and reducing risk of infection in this susceptible population.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Chinese hepatitis B screening and vaccination.

To measure the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Hepatitis B (HBV) screening and vaccination in the Chinese American population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 Chinese in New York City. Participants were recruited from Chinese community-based organizations. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of independence were conducted. Knowledge level of HBV risk factors and screening and vaccination rates are low. There were significant differences in screening and vaccination by marital and health insurance status, language, gender, education, and income. Findings suggested that interventions for Chinese Americans and health care providers can substantially increase screening and vaccination rates.

Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Significance of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes, Core Promoter and Precore Mutations in Eastern India

Objectives: This unmatched case-control study aimed at determining the molecular epidemiology and clinical significance of HBV genotypes, core promoter (CP) and precore (PC) mutations in Eastern India. Methods: Serological, biochemical and molecular assays were used to examine antigens, ALT, genotypes, mutations and viremia among 106 inactive carriers and 183 chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. Results: Male gender (p < 0.001), HBeAg positivity (p = 0.050), high ALT (p < 0.001), high viremia (p < 0.001), CP mutations (p < 0.001), and genotypes A (p < 0.001) and C (p = 0.027) were significantly associated with CLD. Subjects infected with genotypes A and C had significantly higher prevalence of BCP mutations (p < 0.001), and low incidence of PC mutation (p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). Prevalence of genotype D was significantly higher among subjects with history of familial/childhood jaundice, while genotypes A and C were frequent among subjects with possible percutaneous exposure. Conclusions: Significant differences in risk factors and disease manifestation do exist among patients infected with different HBV genotypes. Genotypes A and C are frequently found among chronic liver disease patients, while genotype D is associated with inactive HBeAg-negative infections. This evaluation of clinical relevance of HBV genotypes, mutations and risk factors may be useful in disease prognosis, management and prevention strategies.

Risk factors and algorithms to identify hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV among Georgian tuberculosis patients

To determine prevalence, risk factors, and simple identification algorithms for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C co-infection; factors that may predispose for anti-tuberculosis therapy-induced hepatotoxicity. We recruited 300 individuals at in-patient tuberculosis hospitals in three cities in Georgia, administered a behavioral questionnaire, and tested for antibody to HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Of the individuals tested, 0.7% were HIV positive, 4.3% were HBsAg positive, 8.7% were anti-HBc positive, and 12.0% were HCV positive. In multivariable analysis, a history of blood transfusion, injection drug use, and prison were significant independent risk factors for HCV, while a history of blood transfusion, injection drug use, younger age at sexual debut, and a high number of sex partners were significant risk factors for HBV. Three-questionnaire item algorithms predicted HCV serostatus 74.1% of the time and HBV serostatus 85.2% of the time. Treatment of tuberculosis patients in resource-limited countries with concurrent epidemics of HCV, HBV, and HIV may be associated with significant hepatotoxicity. Serologic screening of tuberculosis patients for HBV, HCV, and HIV or using behavioral algorithms to identify patients in need of intensive monitoring during anti-tuberculosis therapy may reduce this risk.

OBSTETRICS AND PERINATAL OUTCOME

Objectives: To identify and assess the risk factor for transmission of HBV and HCV in pregnantladies and perinatal outcome, presenting to obstetric OPD at CMH Lahore. Design: Case control study. Setting:Combined Military Hospital Lahore. Period: From May 2003 to April 2004. Patients and Methods: All the patientspresenting to obstetrical OPD during one year were randomly screened for both hepatitis B and C using ELISA.Perinatal outcome was compared with control group. The risk factors for HBV and HCV were studied in 30 patients,who were positive for either HBV or HCV. A detailed history was taken followed by a questionnaire and screening forHBV and HCV. The results were compared with control group who were negative for hepatitis B and C but had samesocioeconomic back ground and similar living conditions (wives and soldiers). Results: In the study group 20 patientsgave history of surgical operation or dental procedure. These surgical operations included major or minor operations.In control group positive history of surgical or dental procedure was obtained in 12 patients. The odds ratio was foundto be 3.00 with a P value of 0.038. History of blood transfusion was found in 12 patients in study group and 4 patientsin control group with 0.019. Positive history of jaundice was found in 3 patients of study group and 1 patient in controlgroup with p value of P&gt;0.05. History of drug abuse or multiple sexual partners was negative in both groups.Conclusion: The study concludes that HCV infection is three times more common than HBV infection. Surgicalprocedures are the leading risk factors for acquisition of these infections.

Virologic response and resistance to adefovir in patients with chronic hepatitis B

The incidence and risk factors for adefovir-resistant HBV have not been clearly defined. To characterize the virologic response to adefovir, to determine the rate of adefovir resistance and to explore factors associated with initial virologic response (IVR) and adefovir resistance. All hepatitis B patients who received adefovir for > or =6 months at our center were prospectively monitored for virologic response and adefovir resistance. Forty three patients were included; mean treatment duration was 18 months (range 6-45). Thirty four (79%) patients had prior lamivudine. IVR was observed in 44% patients and associated with higher pretreatment ALT (P = 0.05) and the absence of HBeAg (P = 0.02). Six (14%) patients were found to have adefovir-resistant mutations. The cumulative probability of genotypic resistance to adefovir at month 24 was 22%. Patients with adefovir resistance were more likely to have been switched from lamivudine to adefovir monotherapy (P = 0.01), to be older (P = 0.04), and to be infected with HBV genotype D (P = 0.02). Roughly 50% of patients failed to achieve IVR on adefovir. The cumulative probability of adefovir resistance at 2 years was 22%. Our data suggest that combination of lamivudine and adefovir may prevent emergence of adefovir resistance in patients with lamivudine-resistant HBV.

HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV coinfection, and outcomes following highly active antiretroviral therapy.

To assess the prevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV coinfection in the Australia HIV Observational Database (AHOD), and examine outcomes of HIV disease following initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Analyses were based on 2086 participants recruited to AHOD by September 2002. Of these, 1605 (77%) had been tested for HBV surface antigen, 1704 (82%) for anti-HCV antibody and 1453 (70%) for both. Demographic and clinical predictors of HBV and HCV coinfection were examined. The impact of HBV and HCV coinfection on HIV disease progression was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard model of time to AIDS events and death. Among those tested, prevalence of HBV surface antigen and HCV antibody were 6.3% and 13.1%, respectively (4.8% and 10.7%, respectively, among the entire cohort). In multivariate analyses, the only independent risk factor for HIV/HBV coinfection was coinfection with HCV. Independent risk factors for HIV/HCV coinfection were HIV exposure category (with people who reported injecting drug use [MSM & IDU, IDU only] or receipt of blood or blood products at markedly increased risk) and HBV coinfection. HIV disease outcomes following first initiation of a HAART regimen were similar for HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV coinfected patients compared with HIV-only patients in terms of AIDS-free survival and detectable HIV virus during the first 12 months. However, patients coinfected with HIV/HCV appeared to have a poorer response to HAART in terms of CD4 count changes, with a CD4 count increase of 32 cells/microL (95% CI 1-67) less than HIV-only patients. Coinfection with HBV or HCV is relatively common among HIV-infected participants in AHOD. HIV disease outcomes following HAART do not appear to be adversely affected by HBV/HCV coinfection, except for slightly poorer CD4 count responses in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.

Risk factors for HBV induced liver cirrhosis

Risk factors for HBV induced liver cirrhosis

Prevalence and risk factors for HBV, HCV and HDV infections among injecting drug users from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Viral hepatitis constitutes a major health issue, with high prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs). The present study assessed the prevalence and risk determinants for hepatitis B, C and D viruses (HBV, HCV and HDV) infections among 102 IDUs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Serological markers and HCV-RNA were detected by enzyme immunoassay and nested PCR, respectively. HCV genotyping was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP). HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs were found in 7.8, 55.8 and 24. 7% of IDUs, respectively. In the final logistic regression, HBV infection was independently associated with male homosexual intercourse within the last 5 years (odds ratio (OR) 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-8.8). No subject presented anti-delta (anti-HD). Anti-HCV was detected in 69.6% of subjects, and was found to be independently associated with needle sharing in the last 6 months (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.3-9.2) and with longer duration of iv drug use (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.1-8.7). These data demonstrate that this population is at high risk for both HBV and HCV infection. Among IDUs from Rio de Janeiro, unprotected sexual intercourse seems to be more closely associated with HBV infection, whereas HCV is positively correlated with high risk injecting behavior. Comprehensive public health interventions targeting this population and their sexual partners must be encouraged.

Seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis B, C and G in male and female prisoners - NSW, 1996

Objectives1. Establish the prevalence of markers for hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and G (HGV) in a sample of male and female inmates. 2. Examine exposure to multiple viruses. 3. Compare risk factors for HGV infection with known risk factors for HBV and HCV. DesignCross-sectional random sample stratified by sex, age and Aboriginality. Inmates were screened for three hepatitis markers. Participants were 789 inmates (657 male, 132 female) in 27 correctional centres in New South Wales, 1996. ResultsOverall detection of each of the three screening markers was 35% for HBV, 39% for HCV and 10% for HGV. Exposure rates were higher in female prisoners than males. Increased rates of anti-HBc were observed in Aboriginal inmates compared with non-Aboriginals (54% cf. 27%); anti-HCV and HGV-RNA were comparable between the two groups (36% cf. 41% and 9% cf. 10%). Markers were significantly higher in female injecting drug users (IDU), particularly HCV (90% cf. 66%). Thirty-five per cent of inmates were unaware of their HCV status. For HBV, 72% did not self-report past or present exposure despite serological evidence to the contrary. The multivariate analysis identified Aboriginality, long-term injecting and injecting while in prison as risk factors for HBV. HCV risk factors were female sex, non-Aboriginality, institutionalisation and IDU-associated behaviours. For HGV, female sex and previous imprisonment were significant risk factors but IDU was not. ConclusionsBlood-borne hepatitis viruses are common in prison inmates, particularly females (HBV, HCV and HGV), Aboriginals (HBV) and IDU (HBV and HCV). Infection can be related to a number of risk factors, which appear similar for HBV and HCV, but distinct from HGV.